Andre Lamar Allen was born September 25, 1971, in the city of North Little Rock, Arkansas to loving parents Minister Ernest L. Allen and Mrs. Dorothy M. Allen. Andre has two younger sisters, Deidre and LaTavia. He has always been a lover of jazz and gospel music; however, he never imagined that he had any musical talent. To express his slight interest in playing music, he enrolled in the beginner's band at Ridgeroad Middle School in N. Little Rock, AR when he was in the 8th grade. The alto saxophone was his choice of instrument. After two years of the middle school band, Andre lost his desire to participate, and never played in high school again.
Though he lost his interest in band, Andre did not lose his desire for music. His desire to play the saxophone continued to grow stronger. His interest in the different types of saxophones also grew. He took this desire to the only other place that seemed worthy...church. At the age of 14, Andre began to play his saxophone at New Calvary Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC), also in N. Little Rock. Under the pasturage of his godfather, Bishop Donne L. Lindsey, Sr., Andre was able to further develop and refine his musical skills and playing style.
Over the years, Andre’s skills and style grew tremendously. Artists such as Gerald Albright, Ben Tankard, The Winans, and Commissioned influenced Andre’s musical tastes. But Kenny G inspired Andre to play the soprano saxophone as well. With the knowledge of the alto sax, Andre taught himself how to play the soprano sax. He was well known in the local COGIC community for being an anointed musician. After graduating Ole Main in 1989, Andre decided to stay in the central Arkansas playing at various church functions including local and national COGIC Convocations and meetings.
On November 1 1993, Andre recognized another special calling on his life. He heard the voice of the Lord as He was calling on Andre to minister the Word of God. Bishop Lindsey received Andre’s calling and allowed him to preach a very short time after. At the age of 22, Andre delivered his first sermon at New Calvary Temple COGIC on November 6, 1993.
In 1994, Andre decided to join the Job Corps and was sent to McKinney, Texas. While there, he participated in various talent shows and won each time he entered. He also performed at the Texas State Fair in Dallas. He performed a mini concert with a CD player and soundtracks he had purchased from a local Wal-Mart. This experience was the beginning of his decision to someday pursue a career as a renowned saxophonist and a producer of his own music. After graduating from the Job Corps in 1995, he relocated back to Arkansas and continued to perform at church functions. Soon, Andre received requests and invitations to play at weddings, concerts, annual musical events, and a variation of other engagements.
Through the years, Andre has performed with local Arkansas gospel artists such as Purity, Greg Harris and the Little Rock Community Choir, and Harold Wade and the Worshippers for Christ. He has also performed in concert with renowned gospel artists such as Timothy Wright, the late James Moore, and the anointed Clark Sisters.
Anointed in playing the alto, soprano, as well as the tenor saxophones, Andre’s ultimate goal is to break into the music industry with his unique contemporary gospel/jazz style. He loves the music ministry and playing his saxophones to the glory and honor of God. With the help of the Lord, his faith, and hard work, it is Andre’s desire to be an inspiration and to touch lives with the melodious sounds of his anointed music.
May God bless you.
